Eastern Michigan University English Department
Write-Link Program

    Funded in part by a Michigan Campus Compact Venture Grant, the Write-Link project is designed to increase high school students' exposure to various writing careers in the fields of journalism, public relations, technical communications and creative writing - all in a service learning context.

    A centerpiece of The Write-Link project is its community focus.  Each day of this unique five-day program, students will meet faculty and outside professionals from various writing fields and directly apply the knowledge they gain to develop a special project for a local community organization.  Students will come away with a greater understanding of various writing career opportunities, a portfolio of writing samples, new community contacts and an increased awareness of hour various writing professions impact civic issues.

    High school juniors and seniors throughout Southeastern Michigan are eligible to participate in The Write-Link.  Approximately 20 students will be selected based on applications (see below), which will be reviewed by a panel of EMU faculty and outside professionals.  Application should demonstrate the student's passion and interest in writing and what he or she hopes to do with a degree in one of he various writing fields.

    In 2003, the program was held from Monday, July 14 to Friday, July 18.  Sessions devoted to the four featured writing disciplines of journalism, public relations, technical communication and creative writing began at 9 a.m. each day and concluded by 3 p.m.  Students will be provided lunch each day.  Since the program will be held on EMU's campus. Times and dates for this year have not been decided yet. The program will be utilizing the college's writing labs as well as the knowledge and experience of EMU's English department faculty, staff and pre-professional student organizations.

    In order for the program to work, we need the assistance of all high school English faculty and guidance counselors to spread the worked about The Write-Link project.  Please talk with our students and make them more aware of this exciting opportunity.  With your support , EMU programs , such as "The Write-Link," will grow and hopefully accommodate larger groups in the future.

What writing professions will students in the program learn?
With this program, students learn details about the following writing fields: Journalism, Public Relations, Creative Writing, Technical Communications.  Through out of the week, students will learn hands-on what each profession does.

What will students be doing through this program?
 Each day, students will concentrate on a specific writing field.  They will hear EMU faculty and working professionals in the selected fields.  Later in the day, they will be able to take what they've learned and apply it in a workshop and actually write samples relavant to each field of writing.  With assistance from Eastern Michigan University's faculty and students, they will be assisted in developing writing techniques.  Students' writing in the program will help develop a communication project for a local organization.  So, students get to experience the joy of an actual working model.  In addition, all of the writing pieces they develop will enable them to start a portfolio to give them a head start in preparing for a career in a writing field.

How do I apply?
It's easy.  Simply print out the application page on this Web site and fill it out.  Ask your English teacher for assistance.  After you have completed the application mail it to: 

Write-Link Program
Department of English
Eastern Michigan University
c/o Dr. Melissa Motschall,
603A Pray Harrold,
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

What if I have more questions?
First ask your teacher, but if you have more questions, please contact Dr. Melissa Motschall, associate professor of public relations, at mmmotschall@hotmail.com, or at 734.487.0147. You can also direct your questions to Ann Blakeslee, director of undergraduate studies, at 734.487.5624.